Facing criminal charges of any kind can be a lot to accept. You may not know exactly what you can do to protect yourself. It’s vital that you retain experienced legal help as soon as you can. While state and federal charges alike can be serious and detrimental to your freedom, it can feel a bit heavier to face federal charges. Regardless, you need to be ready for a legal fight. Understanding federal vs. state crimes in Tennessee can be a good place to start.
It’s understandable to feel somewhat unprepared to handle criminal charges. That’s why it’s so important that you hire a federal crime attorney to defend you. You will want someone who fully understands Tennessee federal crime laws and has significant experience in handling federal crime cases, particularly ones that may be similar to what you’re facing. Our firm can provide knowledgeable counsel and strong legal representation for your case.
Why Should You Hire a Federal Crime Lawyer?
There are many qualities to consider when deciding to hire a federal crime lawyer. First, you want to make sure you find someone who recognizes how high the stakes may be for you. The right lawyer can vastly improve the outcome of your case. At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, our legal team can provide you with a compassionate and personal approach, particularly founding partner Luke A. Evans and his considerable litigation experience.
According to recent statistical data collected by the United States Sentencing Commission, federal crimes, particularly federal drug crimes, are not uncommon in Tennessee. In 2024 alone, there were over 1,200 federal cases that involved drug crimes of some kind. According to Tennessee Crime Stats, the amount of state-level drug crime is significantly higher, with over 46,600 drug-related cases investigated in 2024, with a clearance rate of over 77%.
If you find yourself facing state or federal criminal charges, that can be a lot to deal with. There’s nothing that says you are required to deal with it on your own. It’s okay to not be okay as you figure out such an ordeal. You may want to think about reaching out to your attorney for emotional support. Talking to your legal counsel about your situation can be enough to provide some reassurance about your situation.
State vs. Federal Crime
While state and federal crimes are often similar in scale and penalties, there are also significant differences in how they are approached, investigated, and prosecuted. Understanding these differences is crucial for knowing how your case is handled. Here are three of the most important differences between state and federal criminal charges:
- Jurisdiction. One of the most important things to consider is jurisdiction. State law enforcement officials often have jurisdiction over crimes that don’t leave Tennessee. However, once certain crimes have crossed state lines, federal courts will likely have jurisdiction. This also applies to cases that involve interstate commerce or multiple federal agencies.
- Severity. While any crime can be considered serious, as that’s more of a subjective determination, federal crimes are widely seen as much more serious than state crimes. Federal crimes tend to have a larger impact on national interests, and the penalties for such crimes are often much more severe.
- Evidence. Federal charges are often based on lengthy investigations, some lasting months or even years. This has given federal prosecutors plenty of time to compile evidence and build a strong case against you.
FAQs
What’s the Difference Between a State Conviction and a Federal Conviction?
The primary difference between a state conviction and a federal conviction is the severity, as well as who is actually prosecuting. State convictions are sought by state or local authorities, and they can result from cases involving state interests. Federal convictions often come from broader federal investigations that have considerably higher stakes, such as national security. Regardless, you should hire a lawyer if you are facing either a state or federal conviction.
What Is the Difference Between State Crimes and Federal Crimes?
The difference between state crimes and federal crimes lies entirely in the jurisdiction of the investigation. State crimes are investigated by local authorities and tend not to cross state lines. If they do cross state lines, they turn into federal crimes. Federal crimes involve violations of federal law and deal with matters that affect interstate commerce, federal property, or even national security. You will want a lawyer to work through your case either way.
Is a Federal Felony Worse Than a State Felony?
Yes, a federal felony is generally considered worse than a state felony. Federal crimes often evoke harsher penalties, like longer prison sentences and much higher fines. That doesn’t mean that state felonies are easier to deal with. A state felony can still result in serious legal trouble for the offender, and it could result in an equally harsh penalty. You should contact an experienced lawyer to mount a strong defense.
Can a Lawyer Help My Case?
Yes, a lawyer can help your case. Any time you are dealing with legal strife, regardless of whether that strife is state or federal, you should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to advance a strong defense against the prosecution. The right lawyer can be invaluable in situations that are out of your control. Your lawyer can protect your interests, gather evidence that supports you, and keep you from being taken advantage of.
Reach Out to a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Regardless of whether you are facing state or federal charges, you will want an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side to figure out your next steps. The last thing you want is to go up against a seasoned prosecutor without any legal support when your freedom is potentially at risk.
The legal team at Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC has the necessary resources to investigate your situation, collect enough evidence to support your side of the matter, and build a strong defense. Contact us to talk about your case and how we can help you.